The search for the mother of a newborn baby whose body was tonight found in Cardiff’s River Taff has been called off for the night.

South Wales Police are appealing for help finding the baby’s mother who they say will need medical attention.

The body was found in the river near the junction of Penarth Road and the Taff Embankment, just half a mile from the Millennium Stadium shortly after 6pm.

Police search the embankment by the river Taff along Taff embankment, Cardiff, after a body of new born baby found.

A section of the river bank opposite Brains Brewery was sealed off and a white forensics tent put up, which was later removed.

Detective Inspector Paul Latham said: “We want to locate the mother of this baby to ensure she receives the medical attention she needs.

“We appeal to her to contact us, so that we can provide her with the support and reassurance that she requires.

“We want to hear from anyone who has any information concerning this incident or from anybody who may be able to assist us in identifying the mother of this baby who is believed to have been born within the last few days.

“Whilst this investigation is in its early stages, I want to stress that our priority is the safety and well being of the mother at this time.”

A number of emergency services were called to the scene (Image: Matt Horwood)

South Wales Police called off a search of the river using specialist crews at approximately 10pm on Tuesday.

By 10.30pm police tape was lifted at the scene and residents were allowed to access the area again.

Fire crews and an ambulance crew were also in attendance.

Speaking from the scene Corey Dwyer, 24, a Clare Road resident said: “I have a baby myself and bring her down to the river for a walk. It’s just shocking, so horrible to even imagine.”

A Penarth Road resident said he became aware of an incident at around 6.45pm.

He said: “All of a sudden nobody except residents were allowed in the area.

“Finding out it was a child, right on your own doorstep, it’s just so very sad.”